San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1887-07-28

felt that this question should be fair
ly submitted to the people on its
merits, especially as in the meantime
the great contest had been fought
and won in Atlanta, and the danger
of fraud was greatly lessened by the
registration law now in force. 80
lust before the close of the revival a
conference of ministers from all parts
Of the county was held, and it was
resolved to preach, pray and work
for prohibition.
THE ELECTION ORDERED.
Petitions were drawn up request
ing the ordinary to call an election at
an early day. These petitions were
signed by more than 1000 voters.
The ordinary called an election for
July 8, and the contest opened in
earnest. An executive committee
was nrgnnizAd, with ID. B. Hamilton
as chairman and Capt A. B. S. Nose
ly as secretary. Shortly thereafter a
Young Men Prohibition Club was
organized, with Hon. Seaborn Wright
as chairman and Mr.. Junius f. Hillyer
as secretary. Clubs were also organ
lied in all parts of the county. Pro-
hibition and anti-prohibition meetings
were held almost daily. The columns
of the Bulletin for prohibition and OF
the Courier against prohibition were
filed with arguments pro and con, as
well rs with personalities, which at
times were rather bitter.
The day opened bright and beauti-
full. At sunrise there were prayer
meetings at the churches, which con-
tinued during the entire day. A
large number of business houses were
closed, and the city had Sunday ap-
pearance, except that the streets were
crowded with people. By 5 o'clock
in the morning the leading Prohibi-
tionists and anti Prohibitionists had
assembled at the polls. Among the
former there were scores of
RoME's FAIREsr DAUGHTERS
and large number of children. The
ladies and children took their stand
in front of the courthouse, little to
the left of the entrance, and here they
remained with tireless patti ence
throughout the entire day. 1t was a
remarkable scene. Here were aged
mothers, whose hair was silyered
with the frosts of years, young maids
and matrons and lovely children, all
deeply interested in the result OF the
great contest. Many men who as
cended the courthouse steps holding
anti Prohibition tickets in their hands
wavered when they faced this living
bulwark of women, and voted the
Prohibition tickets given them by fair
hands. The presence of the ladies
gained at a moderate estimate at
least 100 votes for the Prohibition
cause. The singing of the familiar
hymns was n feature of the days
incidents. Occasionally large bodies
of Prohibition voters would march to
the polls, and these were greeted
with cheers, waving of handkerc hiefs
and happy
SMILES OF THE LADIES.
Mr.. ]. b. Patton marched at the
head of forty three voters, who were
received with enthusiasm. A little
in the rear Of the courthouse, booths
were erected, where refreshments
were served by the ladies. Many
flags and banners were displayed.
Among the inscriptions were these {:
"a vote against the sale is vote
10 save our boy.
vote the way you think, believe
and pray.
NO saloons, mean more clothing
and happiness
.sFor God and home and native land.
For truth and night ~e take Oar stand
The ants used red flags without
inscription. Nearly all the prohibi-
tionisis wore blue badges and the
ants red. From the first the contest
vas not doubtful BY 10 O'Clock 200
votes bad been cast N Rome precinct.
and tEo-thirds Of these were for pro
hIbitiOn- Reports from the county
precincts showed handsome prohibi-
ton u.aiCIlties. and the saloon people